Tura, Oct 15: The Indian Institute of Public Health (IIPH) Shillong, in collaboration with the India Primary Healthcare Support Initiative (IPSI) and the Government of Meghalaya, launched the “Coaching Primary Health Teams Intervention” on Wednesday at the Working Women’s Hostel in Tura.

The initiative aims to improve local healthcare delivery by fostering better teamwork and mentorship among primary health staff.

The program launch featured addresses from several dignitaries. Ramakrishna Chitturi, MD, NHM, Government of Meghalaya, formally launched the intervention.

He stated that the coaching will enhance staff competencies, particularly at Health and Wellness Centres (HWCs), with a core focus on teamwork.

He announced that 20 coaches have been selected from Primary Health Centres (PHCs) to train HWC personnel.

Benjamin D. Tariang, MCS, Assistant Commissioner of West Garo Hills, launched and distributed the coaching kit books.

Using a football analogy, he stressed that effective teamwork is essential, as “good medicines alone cannot solve all health problems.”

He added that the initiative is designed to increase the accessibility of healthcare for the public, noting Meghalaya’s strong healthcare indicators while acknowledging the need for further improvement.

Dr. Tiameren Jamir, Registrar and Co-PI of IPSI (IIPH Shillong), explained that the model involves PHC doctors acting as coaches for the HWCs under their jurisdiction. This approach seeks to build stronger rapport and team dynamics between PHCs and Sub-Centres to enhance service delivery across the state.

The intervention is scheduled to run for ten months, from October to August of the following year, and will include periodic evaluations.

Two coaching modules have already been introduced, with three more planned.

The event commenced with a welcome by Isabella Syiem (IIPHS) and a virtual address by Prof. Sandra Albert, Director, IIPH Shillong. Madhavi Misra (John Hopkins University) also shared insights from the successful IPSI pilot program conducted in Bhavnagar, Gujarat.

Special addresses were also delivered by Dr. Jakrambal Sangma (DMHO, West Garo Hills) and Dr. S. Boro (Joint Director, Health Services, Garo Hills Division).

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